Question from a beginner

So I’m looking to get into trading stocks and so far I’ve done a whopping 5 hours of research on it (so I know nothing). While gaining knowledge I’d like to lurk on an stock market application so I can get a feel of how things work without actually buying and selling stocks. I am thinking about using thinkorswim.
So my question is do I need an Ameritrade account to use the application? If so, is there any draw backs of opening an Ameritrade account and not actively buying and selling stock?

Lastly, my end goal is day trading (I know I have a while before I get there), is Ameritrade a good choice for that route?

Download the app Robinhood. This is an app only broker, so you can’t trade on your computer with it, but it is free, has real time stock quotes and lets you trade with zero commissions. You can even put a few bucks on and practice making some low dollar amount trades.

If you are looking to day trade, you need to know that unless you have over $25,000 in your account, you are only allowed up to 3 day trades within any period of 5 business days. If you are new to trading, regardless of if you have $25,000 or not, I would definitely not start out day trading.

As far as which broker to use if you want to have a more in depth computer platform, I would go with either Tradeking or Schwab. They both have $5 commissions and good live support.

For practicing trading, thinkorswim is awesome, cos you can go as far back as 2008 to trace and trade with the stock market at the time.

For investing, I recommend a good broker and if you must use app, definitely not robinhood but the app of the broker you choose. Lots of good one out there. More expensive of course but better services.

You should definitely spend 1-2 years sim trading before diving in to the markets with real money.

As mentioned, investopedia has a great platform for sim trading.
Just started using TD Ameritrade’s platform. Its much more complex and may not be a good starting point. It also limits free use to 60 days. I’d just go with investopedia to practice and decide between using a professional brokerage service (schwab is probably the best) or Robinhood when you start with real money.

You’re getting a lot of misinformation here from people telling you to use other platforms or brokers for paper trading when TDA’s TOS is already the best paper/live trading platform around. Stay with it.

Yes, you will need to open an account with TDA.
No, you don’t have to fund it.
No, it will not expire after 60 days if you have an account.
Yes, it’s free.